Engraving a first name: points to check before validating

A personalized piece of jewelry doesn't exist before your order. There's no stock to pick from: your piece goes to engraving with exactly what you've entered, letter for letter. This is what makes it valuable, and it's also why two minutes of proofreading before validating matter more than for any other purchase.

1. Spelling is reproduced as is

Accents, hyphens, capital letters, and apostrophes are reproduced identically. "Anaïs" and "Anais" result in two different pieces of jewelry, as do "jean-baptiste" and "Jean-Baptiste." No one corrects after you, and this is intentional: a first name doesn't have an official spelling, and a well-intentioned correction would be wrong half the time.

Proofread the input field, not the order in your head.

2. Count characters, including accents

Each model has a limit, indicated on its product page. A space counts as a character, as does a hyphen. For compound first names, you quickly approach the limit: "Marie-Charlotte" is already 15 characters.

If you exceed the limit, the field will stop you. It's better to know this before choosing a model than during the ordering process.

3. Engraved and cut-out are not the same thing

This is the most useful distinction to understand, and the least known.

A engraved piece has the text carved into the metal. The surface remains solid, the edges are smooth, and nothing snags on clothing. This is what you find on bracelet plates and medallions.

A cut-out piece is made from the first name itself: the letters form the jewelry, connected by their flourishes. The result is more spectacular, and lighter too, but a very short or very long first name changes the size of the piece.

On our product pages, the mention is always written. It tells you what the item will look like better than a photo.

4. Size depends on what you write

For cut-out pieces, the width follows the length of the word. A three-letter first name results in a discreet pendant, while a twelve-letter first name results in a significantly wider piece. This is neither good nor bad, but it's worth considering if the jewelry is for a child, or if it needs to remain understated.

5. Choose the length before the finish

The finish can be changed with a click, but the length is worn every day. For a necklace, 40 and 45 cm fall on the collarbone and suit most people. 50 cm and beyond hang lower on the bust, which is practical with high collars and recommended when the pendant bears multiple first names.

For a bracelet, count 17 cm for a snug fit, 18 cm for a little more room.

6. Anticipate the lead time

A personalized piece does not ship the same day: it goes to engraving, then it is proofread before being packaged. If the jewelry is a dated gift, order taking into account this manufacturing time in addition to the delivery time.

The checklist, before you click

• The first name is written exactly as it should appear, including accents.
• It fits within the character limit of the model.
• You know whether the piece is engraved or cut-out.
• The length or size is right for the person who will wear it.
• The reception date allows for some leeway.

Five lines, two minutes. That's all that separates a perfect piece of jewelry from one you wouldn't dare to give.